To find them out, go to About This Mac More Info Storage. If your Mac Mini is still with a 4GB RAM, or a spinning hard drive, consider upgrading especially if you use your Mac Mini for heavy tasks like video editing, software testing, etc. You don’t have to do both, instead, either add more RAM or replace your Mac Mini hard drive with an SSD. The Mac mini has always been the entry-level Mac, and it shows. But this new model is a beast, and at its price I think should become a popular desktop, WFH or second-user machine.

[ Updated Dec. 16, 2018, with revisions to my recommendations based on additional personal experience. ]

Some Mac mini owners have run into an issue with the Mac mini failing to activate connected displays after waking from sleep. This issue does not affect all Mac mini owners, but there have been. Brand new mac mini 2018 (3.6 GHz, 250 SSD) arrived with Mojave 14.0 (to replace my 2012 Mac mini). Set up went well and it worked as expected for 1 day. Then I upgraded to 14.1, which required restart. But from here on out, I was never able to complete a restart. The first 30 seconds were fine, it showed the apple and progress bar on the monitor.

Last week, Apple announced upgrades to the venerable Mac mini. And this upgrade turned a diminutive system into a powerhouse. So much so that I’m getting a ton of email about whether we can use the Mac mini for video editing.

The short answer is: Yes.

NOTE: Here’s a hands-on article on using the Mac mini for video editing with Final Cut Pro X. This provides real-world performance data.

Like all computers, you get the best possible performance by buying a fully-tricked out, top of the line system. And, like all computers, that may require more money than you have to spend.

So the purpose of this article is to help you prioritize balancing cost vs. performance.

SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

(All images courtesy of Apple.)

Based on my research, the new Mac mini is a solid machine for video editing, with the ability to configure the system with up to 64GB of RAM, a 6-core Intel i7 desktop-class processor, and a 10Gigabit Ethernet port. The I/O available on the new Mac mini allows users to connect a number of devices through its 4 Thunderbolt 3 ports, 2 USB-A ports, HDMI 2.0 port, and analog audio output jack. With these ports, you can connect a 5K display plus a separate 4K display, or up to three 4K displays.

NOTE: The system offers Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports, this means that you’ll need to purchase an adapter to connect any Thunderbolt 2 devices. These adapters are readily available from a number of vendors, including Apple, for about $50.

Links

• Mac mini Overview: www.apple.com/mac-mini/
• Mac mini Tech Specs: www.apple.com/mac-mini/specs/

The system also natively supports:

• Up to three 4K displays:

Two displays with 4096-by-2304 resolution at 60Hz connected via Thunderbolt 3 plus one display with 4096-by-2160 resolution at 60Hz connected via HDMI 2.0.

– OR –

• Up to two displays:

One display with 5120-by-2880 resolution at 60Hz connected via Thunderbolt 3 plus one display with 4096-by-2160 resolution at 60Hz connected via HDMI 2.0

LARRY’S PRIORITIES

When it comes to optimizing a computer system for video editing, when you can’t purchase the top of the line, here are my spending priorities:

1. GPU
2. RAM
3. Storage speed and capacity
4. CPU speed

Increasingly, both Final Cut Pro X and Adobe Premiere Pro CC are leveraging the GPU for effects, rendering and export. However, the Mac mini does not give us an internal choice for GPU.

When it comes to optimizing a computer system for video compression, my priorities shift:

1. CPU speed
2. Storage capacity and speed
3. RAM
4. GPU

While some video transcoding and compressing codecs are multi-threaded (which means they take advantage of multiple cores in a CPU), many others are not. These single-threaded codecs take advantage of pure CPU speed more than the GPU.

UPDATE: I’ve been using the Mac mini outlined here for about two weeks, and running a series of media compression tests with it. Based on this, I’ve changed my recommendations for both RAM and SSD capacity.

THOUGHTS ON THE GPU

Here’s the key point behind deciding which GPU to get. A graphics processing unit is optimized for pixel manipulations: texturing, rendering, color grading, exporting… anything that involves manipulating the colors of pixels. All you are getting when you purchase a “higher-grade” GPU is more speed. Not better quality, just speed.

If you are a student, a hobbyist, or someone with indeterminate deadlines, there’s no compelling reason to get a faster GPU; the faster speed doesn’t justify the cost. If you are someone living with constant deadlines, who does a lot of effects and color grading, and needs projects exported “yesterday or sooner,” then a faster GPU makes sense.

One of the big limitations of the original Mac mini was its reliance on an Intel Iris graphics card. This was woefully underpowered for any serious graphics work, such as video editing.

That changed with the latest release. All configurations of the new Mac mini use the Intel UHD Graphics 630 card. For editors who are working primarily in HD with limited motion graphics and effects, or who have deadlines that are flexible, the Intel UHD Graphics 630 will work well.

For users who need faster performance, for example, working at higher resolutions such as 4K, with RAW video, or with more complex graphics and effects, the Blackmagic eGPU or newly announced Blackmagic eGPU Pro are great options for these types of graphics-intensive tasks. The updated eGPU Pro includes a Radeon RX Vega 56 graphics card with 8GB of high bandwidth memory. The card offers similar performance to the graphics card in iMac Pro.

Links

• Here’s a link for more information on the Blackmagic Design eGPU: www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/blackmagicegpu/
• Here’s an Apple KnowledgeBase article on how to setup FCP X in macOS Mojave for an external eGPU: support.apple.com/en-us/HT209134

My recommendation is to go with the internal GPU, until you find yourself spending too much time waiting. A slower GPU does NOT mean you can’t edit, it simply means that tasks like rendering and exporting may take a little longer. If you need more speed, add an external GPU as your budget allows.

THOUGHTS ON RAM

The Mac mini ships with a minimum of 8 GB of RAM, which can be user-upgraded to 16, 32, or 64 GB. The good news here is that you can upgrade the RAM at any time, without needing to make a decision at the time of purchase.

8 GB of RAM is fine for HD editing in both Final Cut and Premiere. 4K and above frame sizes benefit from 16 GB of RAM. I have not found a compelling reason to install more than 32 GB of RAM. While the extra RAM won’t hurt, you won’t see as big a performance boost as you will by going from 8 to 32 GB of RAM. (As a note, all my iMac systems have 32 GB of RAM.)

While you can buy RAM from Apple and have it factory-installed, you can save hundreds of dollars by buying RAM from reputable third-party companies like Crucial or OWC.

UPDATE: My revised recommendation is that for a video compression system, 8 GB of RAM is fine. For video editing, more RAM is better. To keep costs low, you can purchase the minimum 8 GB configuration, then upgrade to at least 16 GB from a third-party source as you need more. If your workflow feels fast enough, you have enough RAM. If you are spending too much time waiting – add more.

THOUGHTS ON THE CPU

Apple makes it hard to compare CPUs because one is an i3, another is an i5 and the third is an i7. In looking for an understanding of the differences, I found this recent PC Magazine article:

“If you want a plain and simple answer, then generally speaking, Core i7s are better than Core i5s, which are in turn better than Core i3s. Nope, Core i7 does not have seven cores nor does Core i3 have three cores. The numbers are simply indicative of their relative processing powers.

“The more cores there are, the more tasks (known as threads) can be served at the same time. The lowest number of cores can be found in Core i3 CPUs, i.e., which have only two cores. Currently, all Core i3s are dual-core processors.” [i5 CPUs are quad core, but] “they don’t support Hyper-Threading [which is the ability of] a single core to serve multiple threads.

“This is one of the many reasons why Core i7 processors are the creme de la creme. Not only are they quad cores, they also support Hyper-Threading. Thus, a total of eight threads can run on them at the same time.

“The upshot is that if you do a lot of things at the same time on your PC, then it might be worth forking out a bit more for an i5 or i7. However, if you use your PC to check emails, do some banking, read the news, and download a bit of music, you might be equally served by the cheaper i3.”

Here’s the link to the full article: www.pcworld.idg.com.au/article/386100/what_difference_between_an_intel_core_i3_i5_i7_/

My recommendation is to upgrade to the 6-core i7. Video editing and compression, especially at larger frame sizes, requires a beefy processor. Also, it’s important to mention that these are all Intel 8th-generation 65W desktop-class processors — not mobile processors meant for notebook computers.

THOUGHTS ON STORAGE

The Mac mini comes with up to 2 TB of internal SSD which, according to reports, is blindingly fast. The problem is that in today’s media environment, 2 TB is not enough storage.

I regularly shoot projects that take multiple terabytes of storage. So, even if I invested in a 2 TB SSD, I’d still need to buy external storage. Remember, also, as your frame sizes increase or you move to HDR or high-bit-depth media, a single spinning hard drive won’t be enough. You’ll either need to purchase a RAID or another SSD.

Frankly, for a full suite of editing apps, plus the macOS, you really only need 100 GB of storage. So if you are on a tight budget, a 256 GB SSD will be enough. Personally, I like having a bit more space for exports and working files.

UPDATE My recommendation is the 512 GB SSD and reserve it for the macOS, applications and general workspace. Then, store all your and projects on externally connected media using Thunderbolt 3; preferably a RAID. After using this system for two weeks specifically for video compression, I find that the 512 SSD is the sweet spot for storage. 256 GB is acceptable, but very limiting when you need to create high-quality work files.

THOUGHTS ON INTERCONNECTION

Canon ipf8000s driver for maccleverbucks. For the first time since the iMac Pro, the new Mac mini includes the option to install 10 Gb Ethernet port. This option is especially useful for users who keep media on shared storage or for configurations that require high-bandwidth networking today or in the future.

For comparison, a 1 Gb Ethernet connection can transfer data up to 128 MB/second. A 10 Gb Ethernet connection can transfer data up to 1.25 GB/second; ten times faster. However, there are several “gotchas” here, because to take full advantage of this high-speed connection you will also need:

• Servers that attach to the switch using 10 Gb Ethernet or faster
• A data switch capable of processing data at 10 Gb speeds
• Cat 6 or 6e cabling between the switch and your computer.

I fully applaud Apple for adding this connection – it is valuable and needed! However, unless the rest of your network also supports 10 Gb Ethernet – or will be upgraded to do so – adding this option won’t make any difference in your data transfer speeds.

HERE’S MY RECOMMENDED CONFIGURATION

This screen shot illustrates what I recommend. Regardless of which Mac mini you start with, you’ll end up at the same configuration for the same price: $1,499 (US). Also, remember that the Mac mini is just the computer, you’ll also need to purchase a monitor, keyboard and mouse.

UPDATE: This is the system I purchased and I’m very happy with the system. It is a workhorse for media compression – which is my principle reason for buying the unit. I only use it as a back-up system for video editing. I’m also planning on using it as a media asset management server, I’ll have more on that after the first of the year.

Mac Mini M1 After Effects

EXTRA CREDIT

Here are two relevant articles that may also be of interest to you:

Mac Mini 2020 After Effects

Mojave is the newest version of the macOS operating system released by Apple. macOS Mojave 10.14 was released to the public last September 2018, and three months after its launch, the new beta 10.14.4, was subsequently released.

Mac users were highly anticipating the release of Mojave because of the rumored features and functionalities. And Mojave did deliver. It brought with it groundbreaking features such as the Dark Mode, which turns your whole user interface into a darker theme; the Dynamic Desktop that changes your wallpaper and theme according to the time of the day; and Stacks, a new way to organize the Desktop.

Other features include a new screenshot utility, screenshot markups, continuity camera, and a new App Store look. Aside from these cool features, the new macOS also introduced new apps and a whole slew of improvements to the macOS system.

Most Mac users have already upgraded to Mojave 10.14. But after a few months of using the new macOS, several users have noticed their Mac running slow after updating to Mojave. Apps are slow to launch, the system freezes often, and the processes take a long time to complete. According to user reports, the slow performance is not associated with any apps and started only after installing the new macOS.

Pro Tip: Scan your Mac for performance issues, junk files, harmful apps, and security threats
that can cause system issues or slow performance.

Special offer. About Outbyte, uninstall instructions, EULA, Privacy Policy.

Reasons Why Mac Is Slow After Mojave Update

One of the reasons why Mac is slow after Mojave update is that this version is not for everyone. Not all Mac devices have the hardware power to run macOS Mojave smoothly. If your Mac is running slow after updating to Mojave, you need first to check if your device is eligible.

Here are the main requirements for macOS Mojave to function properly:

• Eligible devices include MacBook Air and MacBook Pro from mid 2012, MacBook from early 2015, Mac Mini and iMac from late 2012, and iMac Pro from 2017
• OS X Mountain Lion 10.8 or higher
• At least 4GB of RAM, preferably 8GB
• 15 to 20GB of free storage space on the hard drive

If your Mac is running slow because your hardware didn’t make the cut, downgrading to an earlier version of macOS is the ideal solution. But if everything is running slow after Mojave update even though your Mac has met the requirements, then the problem could be due to something else.

Here are other possible reasons why Mac is slow after Mojave update:

• Compatibility problems
• Outdated apps
• Animation and other display effects

How to Fix Slow Mac After Updating to Mojave

A slow or freezing macOS Mojave can be caused by a wide array of issues. It could be due to something as simple as a full hard disk or incompatibility issues in your system.

Before you try any of the suggestions below, make sure you have a backup of your important files in case something goes wrong. You should also perform basic troubleshooting steps such as restarting your system and uninstalling the apps that you don’t need.

Next, work your way down the list of tips below to see if any of them helps speed up your Mac.

Tip #1: Clean Up Your Mac.

As time goes by, temporary files, cache files, login data and all other unnecessary files accumulate on your Mac. These junk files occupy storage space and you might not be aware that they exist. Cleaning up your computer is like hitting two birds with one stone: you get back some precious storage space while getting rid of files that may be bogging down your processes.

However, it’s not enough to simply empty your Trash because these junk files are usually saved in inaccessible folders. To completely remove your computer’s junk files, you can use an all-in-one Mac management tool such asOutbyte MacRepair. The app will look at every nook and cranny of your computer and delete all unnecessary files in one click.

Tip #2: Disable Auto-Run Programs.

When your Mac is loading a lot of processes during login, don’t expect it to work like The Flash. This is one of the most common reasons for slow startups.

Auto-run programs are those that automatically run every time your Mac is turned on. So when you press that Power button, you are not only loading your operating system, you are also switching on these auto-run processes. These programs are supposed to make things easier for you but they affect your Mac’s performance instead, especially if it has limited computing power.

To disable startup programs, follow the steps below:

1. Click on Apple > System Preferences > Users & Groups.
2. Click your account name on the left-side menu.
3. Click on the Login Items tab on the right. This will show you a list of all the enabled login items.
4. Tick off the login apps or processes that you want to remove.
5. Click on the (-) button at the bottom of the screen.

Once you’ve disabled these items, restart your computer and see if there’s any improvement in speed.

Tip #3: Disable Resource-Hogging Apps via Activity Monitor.

Mac Mini Adobe After Effects

If your Mac is running slow for no obvious reason, you need to take a look at how your computer’s resources are being used and which processes are taking the biggest share. These resource-hungry apps take up too much RAM and CPU, leaving very little for macOS Mojave and therefore affecting its overall performance.

The Activity Monitor is a very helpful tool in tracking the usage, behavior, and resource consumption of active processes. Follow the instructions below to manage your background apps and processes:

1. Click Finder > Go > Applications > Utilities.
2. Click on Activity Monitor.
3. Click on the CPU tab. This will show you which apps are taking up much of the CPU power on your computer.
4. Choose the app or process you want to close, then click the X button next to it.
5. Click Force Quit when the confirmation message pops up.
6. Do this for all the processes you want to quit.
7. Next, click on the Memory tab at the top.
8. Do the same for all the processes you want to stop. Just make sure that closing those processes will positively affect the operation of your macOS.

Tip #4: Modify Your User Interface.

macOS Mojave is equipped with a lot of customization features, which usually come at a price. Adding a lot of enhancements to your user interface can cause your Mac to slow down.

To minimize the graphic effects on your Mac, do the following:

1. Click the Apple logo then choose System Preferences.
2. Click Accessibility > Display.
3. Tick off Reduce transparency and Reduce motion.

Restart your computer and see if doing this changes anything.

Tip #5: Optimize Your Storage.

Mac Mini After Effects Free

One of the useful Mojave features is the Optimize Storage option. This feature helps users organize all the files in their drive and make sure all storage space is maximized.

To turn on this feature:

1. Click the Apple logo, then choose About this Mac.
2. Click on the Storage tab, then hit the Manage button.
3. When the confirmation dialog appears, click Optimize.

Once this feature is activated, all your files will be organized and any unused file will be deleted. Without the clutter, your macOS Mojave will have more space to carry out its processes efficiently.

Summary

macOS Mojave offers new apps and features that improve user experience. However, updating to Mojave 10.14 could cause your Mac to slow down because of incompatibility issues, too many background apps running, outdated drivers, or hardware problems. If you find your system becoming sluggish, you can try any of the tips above to improve its speed.